First use of AVA SMS alert system

On 5 January the first Hendra case of the year was confirmed, and the AVA was able to quickly notify members via a new form of communication – the SMS emergency alert system. All members with a mobile phone number in the AVA database were sent the message.

While most AVA members would normally receive communication via email, this is not always the most effective way to reach members when immediate notification is necessary.

The AVA SMS emergency alert system was set up during the equine influenza outbreak, when the fast-moving nature of the disease and situation highlighted the need for a more immediate communication channel than email.

The purpose of the SMS emergency alert system is to notify members about issues of major significance to the whole veterinary profession at any hour of the day or night. Such scenarios may include:

• A major natural disaster with potential significant impact on animal populations.
• The first Hendra case for the year.
• Infectious disease outbreaks including foot-and-mouth disease, rabies and equine influenza.

In addition to the SMS alert, additional information is also posted on the AVA website.

Use of the system is guided by the Board-approved AVA Emergency SMS alert policy.

Members can notify the AVA of their mobile phone number, or update their number through Manage profile or by contacting National Office - 1300 137 309, members [at] ava [dot] com [dot] au.

Rena Richmond
Media Relations Manager

This story appears in the January/February 2012 issue of the Australian Veterinary Journal